Installation of side guards to protect cyclists and pedestrians
For two decades, side guards installed on trucks have saved lives in Europe by protecting pedestrians and cyclists against heavy trucks and road trains moving at high speed. The effectiveness of these protections is such, that they have become mandatory in many countries. But Canada still has not adopted such measures.
The NDP plans to fill that void with its bill championed by the critic of the Official Opposition in transportation, the member for Trinity-Spadina Olivia Chow. Our Bill C-344 proposes to make mandatory side guards to reduce the risk of having pedestrians or cyclists stuck between the wheels of a heavy vehicle in an accident. Deaths could then be avoided. This represents a practical and effective solution to a valid concern.
Here in Laurier-Sainte-Marie, as elsewhere in Canada, more and more people are choosing to take their bicycles or to walk to get to their destination. The government must face its responsibility by ensuring their safety. New Democrats criticize the fact that the Conservative government has left the Canadian safety rules become obsolete. We need the security of Canadians to be taken seriously; hence why we are asking the government to support this bill.
Too often we hear of cyclists and pedestrians who were involved in tragic road accidents which could have been avoided. We must act now: our streets must be safer, for the good of all.
Join us in supporting this campaign by signing the petition.
World Malaria Day
Statement by NDP MP Hélène Laverdière on World Malaria Day
On the occasion of World Malaria Day 2012, I am reminded of the desperate need for life-saving generic medicines to fight this disease. While the last few years have seen declining mortality rates from malaria thanks to malaria control interventions, these gains are fragile and many challenges remain. We must continue to invest in malaria control. One of the ways to do this is by ensuring broad access to life-saving medicines. Malaria treatment and prevention saves more lives than any other health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of childhood immunization.
In February, I introduced my Private Members Bill C-398 on generic drugs for international humanitarian purposes. This bill would modify legislation in regards to Canada's Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR), which allows for the export of generic versions of pharmaceuticals to developing countries in order to help address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases. As it exists, CAMR is failing to meet its goals. Bill C-398, which will cost nothing, will make CAMR easier to use – and these improvements will allow Canadian generic companies to send life-saving medicines to the people who so desperately need them.
In these tough economic times, development assistance is constantly threatened. Let's increase our commitment to malaria prevention and treatment. Let's reform CAMR and give children in Africa a chance. Together, we can roll back malaria.
THE CONSERVATIVE BUDGET: NO RELIEF FOR QUEBECERS
From Old Age Security to health care, conservative cuts will hurt families
OTTAWA, March 29, 2012 – Families, older people and workers are once again the biggest losers in the Conservative budget, according to NDP leader Thomas Mulcair.
Cuts announced for the Old Age Security program and healthcare funding were confirmed in the budget plan tabled today by the Minister of Finance.
"Stephen Harper promised to protect health care funding and never even mentioned his plan to cut Old Age Security. Now, he is putting Quebecers' retirement security and primary healthcare in peril with these reckless cuts," said Mr. Mulcair. "Mr. Harper prefers short-changing provinces and balancing the budget on their backs. It's unacceptable."
The NDP leader also accused Conservatives of having no real job creation plan in this budget.
"This budget contains no strategy to create or maintain jobs in Canada," said Mr. Mulcair. "Conservatives have billions to build prisons, buy fighter jets, and offer gifts to their friends in large corporations but nothing for the thousands of people who have lost their job over the last few months."
"The NDP will fight to protect the vital services Quebecers depend on, and work together to ensure the Conservatives' irresponsible cuts affect them as little as possible," concluded Mr. Mulcair.
